Swansea defender Neil Taylor is eager to make up for lost time as he closes on his return to first-team action.

Taylor is close to making a first-team return from the horrific ankle injury which has sidelined him since September.

Wales international Taylor broke and dislocated his ankle in a challenge with Sunderland's Craig Gardner, and was expected to miss the rest of the campaign.

However, the talented full-back has made a rapid recovery from the injury and has come through two run-outs for Swansea's second string over the last few weeks.

Taylor is happy with his progress, but he is not setting himself any targets for when he can make his return to Premier League action.

"I am pretty much there with my comeback, I have been training and been able to play a few reserve games," Taylor told Sky Sports.

"I have got some minutes under my belt and I felt pretty comfortable with that.

"I could have done more, but it is a case of sticking to the plan and the next reserve game play even more, and then play 90 minutes and say I am available now.

"With an injury like this I have tried to take it day to day. Early on with the injury I tried to set targets here and there and everywhere but I think it is silly to do that and I am just taking it day-to-day."

Taylor has always tried to remain positive about his injury and he admits his spell on the sidelines made him appreciate even more what he has as a footballer.

He added: "The one thing about long-term injuries is, as footballers, it helps rediscover their hunger to play again and it's great on that side of things.

"You can't wait to go out training again even if it is cold, raining, snowing whatever and I think that you get that back and that sometimes can be a good thing for you and what you need sometimes as a footballer.

"Obviously you would rather not be out for six months with a bad injury, but sometimes these things can work in your favour and that was the idea from day one was to try and make this work in my favour for me."